As Saskatchewan’s largest city, there’s a lot more to Saskatoon than initially meets the eye. While this prairie gem isn’t on everybody’s list of places to travel, the city greets each visitor with open arms. After living in Toronto, I’ve become fond of the more intimate experience Saskatoon offers.
A city full of kind, open-minded, and good-natured people, here are some of my favourite Saskatoon haunts:
Activities/
Forestry Farm: Every winter, the Forestry farm has a remarkable display of Christmas lights. Make yourself some hot chocolate, pile into a car, and check it out.
University of Saskatchewan: Arguably Canada’s most picturesque campus, the U of S was founded in 1907. It initially began as an agricultural college. Built primarily with grey stone, it remains one of the campus’ most distinguishing features.
Saskatchewan Jazz Festival: One of the best events of the summer, Sask Jazz Fest hosts noteworthy Canadian and international artists.
Hot Yoga on 20th: Say hi to my sister who teaches here (occasionally in French!)
Saskatoon’s Farmers Market: Shop the stalls of this cooperative for local produce and goods from over 140 vendors.
The Roxy Theatre: What is it with me and old movie theatres? Needless to say, The Roxy is one of my all-time favourites!
Coffee/
Museo Coffee: Sample the quality coffee and delicious baked goods at this local coffee shop and roaster. Formerly housed in the Mendel Art Gallery, Museo is now conveniently located on Broadway.
Collective Coffee: The cortados here are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s easy to see that the friendly baristas who work here truly love coffee.
Road Coffee Co.: Brand new to the Saskatoon coffee scene, Road Coffee Co. roasts their own coffee beans and take pride in the relationships they’ve formed with farmers.
City Perks Coffeehouse: Again with those mint green mugs and 49th Parallel beans! The interior here is gorgeous.
Christie’s Il Secondo: I’m not sure why I’ve listed Christie’s under ‘coffee’ but try their fresh-baked bread and paninis.
Sweets/
Little Bird Patisserie: If you love macarons and tartines (we all know I do…) you’ve come to the right place. The interior is absolutely stunning as well.
Homestead Ice Cream: A classic ice cream parlour, Homestead has been serving up yummy ice cream treats since 1978.
Cupcake Conspiracy: Delightful, freshly-made cupcakes in a variety of unique flavours.
Eat/
The Hollows: I’m already dreaming about my next meal here. Inventive dishes made with seasonal ingredients, The Hollows is a must for Sunday brunch
Primal Pasta: Fortunately, the people at The Hollows opened a second (pasta-focused) restaurant that is equally amazing.
Ayden Kitchen & Bar: A sleek, modern space that serves up international fare with a twist.
Poached Breakfast Bistro: My favourite spot for weekday brunch. Try the butternut squash omelette.
Drift Sidewalk Café: I have nothing but praise for Drift and their crepes. The restaurant itself reminds me of the breakfast spots in California, beachy pastels, palm trees, and plenty of outdoor seating. Oh, and you pay and take a number, which I love.
Nosh Eatery: You’ll forget you’re eating healthy food because the dishes are so innovative and yummy.
Keo’s Kitchen: Some of the best Thai food I’ve ever encountered was consumed at Keo’s!
Drink/
Winston’s Pub: Beer lovers unite! Winston’s has a diverse list of beers on tap.
O’Shea’s Irish Pub: Their patio is the only place to be on a hot summer day.
Flint Saloon: An interesting array of cocktails are worth sampling at Flint.
Shop/
Anthology Home Collection: Flowers galore and plenty of excellent gift ideas!
Green Ark: If I ever own a home, I’d love it to look just like Green Ark.
Luna & Hill: Most of the garments here are designed and made within Canada, think Valerie Dumaine and Dagg & Stacey! One of their employees even makes jewellery carried at the shop. Upstairs, you’ll find a General Store with candles, self-care products, and scents.
Kit & Ace: I love how each Kit & Ace store is uniquely influenced and decorated by region. The Saskatoon store has artwork and photography by local artists, and the wood they use in all their furnishings is sourced locally and their supper table was designed by Noah Rossmo!
Olson + Burke: A well-curated shop that carries a fantastic range of jewellery, including Jenny Bird.
Hazlewood: A sparsely decorated vintage shop that feels oh so cool.
The Better Good: Environmentally-made goods that promote a sustainable lifestyle.
Swank Shoe Lounge: Fantastic customer service and must-have brands.
Stay/
Delta Bessborough: Experience old-world glamour at this luxurious hotel. The gardens are worthy of a visit in the warmer months.
The James Hotel: Overlooking riverside Kiwanis Park and the Meewasin Trail, this trendy downtown hotel is centrally-situated.
The Sheraton Cavalier: I loved celebrating my friend’s wedding at the Top of the Inn, which offered stunning views of the city.
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